3. Use key words within the standards to do searches on the internet, Teachers pay Teachers, or Pinterest to find lessons or activities that teach those keyword concepts.

One word of caution concerning internet browsing: Don't start window shopping or you'll waste more time than if you created the lesson or activity from scratch. My advice is to set a timer. If you haven't found exactly what you're looking for in 15 minutes, you probably need to create the lesson or activities yourself.

4. Plan review activities to do before the final assessment for those students needing extra practice.

5. Plan remediation activities for students who do not pass assessments.

I often have students do test corrections using their textbook and notes. Sometimes I have them work in pairs or in a small group with me to make the corrections, depending on their level of independence.

And that's it! Once you have a your units put together with this basic format, you can easily add items each year to customize your lessons for individual students.

Do you have any tips for making lesson planning quicker? I'm always trying to streamline this part of my day. I'd love to hear your ideas!

I love this little portable diffuser. It has a USB cord and is small enough to fit in a cup holder in your car. That means you can easily take it from your car to classroom. Just a drop or two of oil, and this bad boy will diffuse for a few hours. I love that it will not make the whole classroom smell of essential oil, just my desk area.

If you can't diffuse at work, put a couple of drops of essential oils in the palms of your hands, rub together, and inhale.

2. Drink more water!

A drop or two of lemon oil encourages me to drink more water and detoxes my system.

3. Make yourself a cup of tea.Magnesium tea is AMAZING, and super-easy to make. The magnesium is the ingredient that makes it extra calming. Plus, it presents more ways to hydrate!

4. Stretch at your desk.

Even though most of us don't sit at our desk much st all, it is handy to help you stretch out those tired muscles. Bonus: This routinecan be done during state testing!

5. Listen to an audiobook on your way to school and home

6. Write down at least one thing that went well each day and keep it to read when you need a reminder of how you are doing a great job and YOU MATTER!

7. If you can, do a couple of laps around the hallways of your school at a brisk pace to get your blood flowing. FEEL-GOOD BONUS: Do this with a favorite teacher friend.

8. For days when all else fails, during your planning period:~Shut the door, turn the overhead lights down, draw the shades, turn on soft lighting, play your favorite music or put an uplifting/funny YouTube video on in the background while you work. I swear this one works!

Please help me add to my list of ways to stay happy and healthy. I'd love to hear how you de-stress!